When it comes to aesthetics in the tyre sector, the focus is often automatically on the rims. But Continental’s SportContact 7 now proves that tyres can also deliver exceptional performance in terms of form, function and design. The new sports tyre from Hanover has won two of the most prestigious international design awards – the Red Dot Award: Product Design and the iF DESIGN AWARD.
“We are very happy that our sporty flagship has not only been able to convince tyre fans with its performance, but that design experts from all over the world have also recognised our work with these awards,” said a delighted Enno Straten, Head Strategy, Analytics and Marketing, Replacement Tires EMEA at Continental.
During development, the design experts pursued three main objectives: First, to develop a credible “next generation” for the long line of successful SportContact tyres. Second, the innovations developed should be made visible in the best possible way. And third, the design language had to be aligned with that of modern sports cars.
Renowned Red Dot Award for product design
In the “search for good design and innovation,” the 48 international members of the 2022 Red Dot Jury expertly, individually and comprehensively reviewed each of the products submitted from 60 countries for the Red Dot Award: Product Design. Only those products that convinced the experts with their outstanding design quality were awarded prizes – including the Continental SportContact 7. According to the jury, the award-winning companies set new standards in the design industry with their entries.
Dr. Peter Zec, Founder and CEO of Red Dot commented on the 2022 competition stating: “This competition year, I was particularly struck by the pronounced creativity evidenced by the award-winning products. That there are still designs that surprise in form and functionality is truly impressive and commendable.”
SportContact 7 prevails among almost 11,000 entries
The sporty ultra-high-performance tyre also won this year’s iF DESIGN AWARD, adding the world-renowned design label’s award to its list of accolades. It was awarded in the discipline “Product,” category “Automobile/Vehicle.” The iF DESIGN AWARD is presented once a year by the world’s oldest independent design institution, iF International Forum Design GmbH. The SportContact 7 tyre impressed the 132 member, independent, and international jury of experts in particular with its innovative form and function. And the number of applicants was large: Jurors had to award the coveted seal of approval among almost 11,000 entries from 57 countries.
